Juvenile Services Education Program (JSEP) Menus and Nutrition

Nutrition Information and Policies

The Department of Juvenile Services' Food and Nutritional Services team assist in learning about nutrition through various traditions such as posters, monthly food menu choices, and other fun activities. We incorporate menu selections and food choices into holidays, celebrations, and special occasions, such as National School Breakfast Week, National School Lunch Week, and National Nutrition Month. Each month, the program focuses on a Food of the Month to serve in the department's residential facility cafeterias. The purpose of the Food of the Month promotion is to highlight the nutritional benefits of healthy eating, wellness, and making health conscious food choices in an adolescent's diet. This food item is chosen based on consideration of the diverse ethnicities, cultures, and the correlation to the traditions of various backgrounds.

Learn more about the Maryland State Department of Education's School Breakfast Program (SBP) and check out the SBP Fact Sheet from USDA, which provides an overview of the program, eligibility details, nutrition requirements, and other information.

Maryland's Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides nutritious meals and snacks to low-income children (ages 18 and under) during June, July, and August when school is not in session. For more information visit the Maryland Public Schools website to find a site near you.

Food of the Month

January's Food of the Month is Oatmeal!

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A hot bowl of oatmeal on a cold January day is the perfect winter breakfast. But don’t be fooled into thinking that is all oats are good for! Oats are actually tiny nutrition dynamos! They are among the healthiest grains on earth; gluten free and rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Oats have been shown to have potential benefits on blood sugar and improved insulin sensitivity, cholesterol, gut health, and even weight loss since they are so filling. If you’re not a fan of oatmeal, try a handful of granola tossed in your breakfast parfait, as a topping on a fruit cobbler, or even baked into your favorite muffin recipe. You can’t go wrong incorporating these nutritional powerhouses into your diet.